Mamelodi back in court

Embattled former Botswana Premier League boss, Bennett Mamelodi has won an application through the high court of Botswana to have ADM Forensic Financial Services auditors’ report tested in open court.

On the other hand, Botswana Football Association(BFA) are reported to have deliberately left the door revolving on the matter, and it is why they could not challenge or contest the applicant’s case. It is said, a lady whose name is known to this publication, and was part of the auditors had long been open to testifying on behalf of the firm if need be. Lawyers representing the former Pula Sports co-owner are optimistic that their client has a stern case against the local football body and it is why they can not rest until they find justice.

“We believe my client’s reputation is heavily dented, we are battling to restore it,” Mamelodi’s lawyer Dutch Leburu was once quoted as saying. Mamelodi believes that his fate at Lekidi football centre was ruthlessly sealed based on the outcome of forensic report. He wants remedial action on grounds that the report did not in any way gave him the opportunity to clarify any other series of proceedings that were done and conducted under his watch. Those backing the first premier league CEO are of the view that the association had long knotted a conspiracy to oust a long time devotee of the game.

The association on the other hand refuses to admit that they may have dropped the ball and instead remains steadfast that procedures of hiring and firing staff members were followed, and that Mamelodi should be bold enough to accept the change of guard in his football life. His contract came to an end as Botswana was celebrating Independence Day. Further arguments are however expected to be heard on November 15, a move that will see ADM auditors enter court chambers for the first time since the beginning of the trial early this year.

Tumo Mpatane, BFA marketing and communication officer said the association is aware of the case hence the decision not to contest. He however could not be drawn into discussing the matter further saying it is still before jurisdiction. “Yes we are aware of the court matter, but it is not yet in our hands to make any telling comments at this point in time,” Mpatane said. The auditors had observed that BFA regulation and procedure manuals clearly stipulate that any expense of more than P50 000 should be floated as a tender and that quotations can only be sourced for expenditures amounting to P50 000 and below. However, with its past engagement with service providers and suppliers, BPL is said to have overlooked the regulations.

The audit also uncovered that control measures relating to petty cash were not adhered to. BFA regulations state that only expenses below P300 can be paid from the petty cash account, but it is indicated that expenditures amounting to over P 1000 were at times paid from the petty cash. BFA, at the time of Mamelodi’s suspension, said the objective of the forensic audit was to determine whether employees were adhering to policies and procedures in the best interest of the association. Another objective was to determine whether employees of BPL were involved in any fraudulent conduct. The association is represented by Otto Itumeleng attorneys.